We are in the final planning phase which ends with our invitational event on the 25th of October, the objective will be to get final, constructive criticism on the event and all of its facets from experienced gravel bike riders ("Gravelista's"). We will announce costs to participate when we are closer to the end of our planning phase.
Our intention is to run this event on a regular basis throughout the year in the favourable weather months. We will establish a leaderboard and hopefully prize sponsors in the form of gravel bikes. We will present the prizes on an annual basis. The Great Karoo Gravenduro will be a Sunday night arrival and ride Monday to Friday. The route starts at Gariep Dam and does a great circle, through Teebus, Cradock, Somerset East, Graaff Reinet, Nieu Bethesda, Middelburg and back to Gariep.
Each day will consist of "Social Sections" and "Racing Segments" pre-loaded on Strava. Participants must be self-reliant in terms of navigation with a GPS device. We recommend bike computers that can download Strava segments and pre-warn the rider of the coming segment ahead, this will improve their chances of scoring better points on the racing segments.
Accommodation will vary from one night of "glamping" to the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff Reinet, we will always select the best possible accommodation and meals to be had in the area you are passing through. This will of course limit the group size down to a maximum of 25 riders.
Support vehicles will provide fixed water/nutrition-points and general support along the way. There will always be a sweep vehicle with a medic on-board.
Our intention is to run this event on a regular basis throughout the year in the favourable weather months. We will establish a leaderboard and hopefully prize sponsors in the form of gravel bikes. We will present the prizes on an annual basis. The Great Karoo Gravenduro will be a Sunday night arrival and ride Monday to Friday. The route starts at Gariep Dam and does a great circle, through Teebus, Cradock, Somerset East, Graaff Reinet, Nieu Bethesda, Middelburg and back to Gariep.
Each day will consist of "Social Sections" and "Racing Segments" pre-loaded on Strava. Participants must be self-reliant in terms of navigation with a GPS device. We recommend bike computers that can download Strava segments and pre-warn the rider of the coming segment ahead, this will improve their chances of scoring better points on the racing segments.
Accommodation will vary from one night of "glamping" to the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff Reinet, we will always select the best possible accommodation and meals to be had in the area you are passing through. This will of course limit the group size down to a maximum of 25 riders.
Support vehicles will provide fixed water/nutrition-points and general support along the way. There will always be a sweep vehicle with a medic on-board.
The Great Karoo Gravenduro Invitational
5 days and 500 kays
25th October 2020
5 days and 500 kays
25th October 2020
We are in the process of selecting a team of "gravelista's" to test the concept of the multi-day Gravenduro.
On the night of the 25th of October 2020 the riders will assemble, readying themselves for dawn, when the great adventure begins. Support vehicles and water-points will be provided, accommodation will be in recognised establishments. The daylight hours will be an immersive experience across barren wastelands, mountain passes and river valleys.
The terrain will undoubtedly be the domain of the gravel bike - drop bars, stiff frame, big chainring.
On the night of the 25th of October 2020 the riders will assemble, readying themselves for dawn, when the great adventure begins. Support vehicles and water-points will be provided, accommodation will be in recognised establishments. The daylight hours will be an immersive experience across barren wastelands, mountain passes and river valleys.
The terrain will undoubtedly be the domain of the gravel bike - drop bars, stiff frame, big chainring.
Countdown to start:
